Two fires have broken out at the Seagrams Plant in the 7100 block of Soller Point Road this summer, the latest was on Monday.
Wednesday, crews were working to take down the property. Developer John Vontran is proposing a townhouse community in its place. ABC2 reached out to Vontran for a comment, but our calls went unreturned.
Monday's fire was the second in two months. There have been six others over the last 10 years.
"It's just been a big eyesore in the community the original plans when they came out many years ago was great, people want to see it developed but extending over another 10 years nothing has been done," said Peggy Rosendale, a longtime Dundalk resident.
Residents and county leaders are thrilled to see these historic walls coming down.
"Very elated, very happy. Very happy with all of the fire occurring. Having to stand out here at 1 o'clock in the morning and hose your house down because of the embers falling on it," Rosendale said.
Over the years, the former distillery has seen several fires set by trespassers in the abandoned buildings. County leaders have been vocal in the past about revitalizing the old building.
Before any construction can begin to transform that property into living space, several permits are needed.
"The process has been entirely too long, but I see now that there is a progress," said State Senator Johnny Ray Salling. "There's buildings going down and this is going to take care of one of the problems. We want beautification of this area and you're going to see a great development here and it's going to compliment the whole area and we're very excited about that."
Baltimore County Councilman, Todd Crandell said Wednesday, "It will feel a lot better when it's actually done and the debris is removed and this property is returned to something that is safe for the community."
